Saskatchewan doctors not covered by essential services legislation

The Saskatchewan government is considering no change to deem doctors essential under the essential services law despite a second service disruption.

Doctors in the Moose Jaw area have closed all clinics to meet with the Saskatchewan Medical Association to get an update on the nineteen month long contract dispute.

As Premier Brad Wall describes it, this isn't a union management situation. Doctors are private contractors who get a fee for the service they provide so the essential services law doesn't apply to them.

He argues maybe they don't need to be.

“There has not been a province-wide withdrawal of services for a decade. That is probably part of the reason why”, he said.

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In fact the last “study session”, a term used by the doctors, was held in 2003.

Wall maintains deeming doctors essential is a discussion for another day. He wants the focus to remain for now on getting a new contract.

“Continue to keep our faith in the bargaining process that is underway.”

Wall remains optimistic that will happen in the coming weeks.